Ketiminate supported aluminum(III) complexes: Synthesis, characterization and reactivity

The reaction of LLi, (L = [RNC(Me)CHC(Me) = O] (R = C2H4NEt2)), with AlCl3 at −78 °C forms the mono-ketiminate product, LAlCl2, 1, while the same reaction at 0 °C affords the bis-ketiminate complex, [{(LH)2AlCl}(Cl2)], 2, Reduction of 1 with Lio, Ko or Mgo yielded an unusual dimeric aluminum(III) species, [L′AlCl]2, 3, where C–C coupling of the ligand backbone is observed.